How Do Animals Separate the Cord from the Fetus?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the biological relationship between the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetus, concluding that the DNA of the placenta and cord reflects the fetus rather than the host. It highlights the phenomenon of the 'two vessel cord' as an anomaly influenced by both maternal and fetal genetics, particularly in cases of maternal diabetes. The conversation also contrasts human practices of cord cauterization with animal behaviors, noting that many animals naturally chew through the umbilical cord after cleaning the newborn, which prevents bleeding due to the cord's non-functional state at that time.

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  • Understanding of placental biology and structure
  • Knowledge of fetal development and genetics
  • Familiarity with maternal health impacts on pregnancy, particularly diabetes
  • Awareness of neonatal care practices across species
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  • Research "placental structure and function" for deeper insights into fetal-maternal relationships
  • Explore "two vessel cord anomalies" and their implications in prenatal care
  • Investigate "neonatal clotting factors" and their role in human versus animal births
  • Study "maternal behaviors in animal species" related to umbilical cord management
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Biologists, veterinarians, obstetricians, and anyone interested in reproductive health and neonatal care practices across different species.

DaveC426913
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1] Is the placenta and cord an extension of the fetus or of the host? We were talking about this, and have tentatively concluded that the DNA of placenta and cord would reflect the fetus rather than the host.

This came up in a discussion about 'two vessel cord'. I was wondering if that would be an anomaly of the mother's or of the baby's genes.


2] How do animals deal with the separation of the cord from the fetus? I know the mother will break the cxord and consume the products of labour, but that doesn't directly cauterize or clot the baby. In (modern) humans we must cauterize the cord or it will bleed out, since newborns do not have a clotting factor. Do animals have a more "proactive" clotting rate?
 
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1] it is of the fetus. It is an anomaly of both the fetus and the mother, since diabetes can significantly increase the risk.
 
Depending on which species you are discussing it can be primarily fetal or about 50% fetal/50% maternal. If you do a google search for "placental structure" and related terms you'll find more info. Here were a few I found, http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/reprod/placenta/structure.html" (human only).
 
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DaveC426913 said:
2] How do animals deal with the separation of the cord from the fetus? I know the mother will break the cxord and consume the products of labour, but that doesn't directly cauterize or clot the baby. In (modern) humans we must cauterize the cord or it will bleed out, since newborns do not have a clotting factor. Do animals have a more "proactive" clotting rate?

The umbilical cord is usually chewed by the mother after she cleaned the newborn. By that time, the umbilical cord does not function anymore and blood will not come out. Human seems to be the exception.
 

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